Busy and fun 2 weeks for McIlroy heading into US Open

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Rory McIlroy has played a lot of golf in June. Nearly all of it was for fun.

He played at National, Friar's Head and Garden City. Although that wasn't exactly designed as preparation for the U.S. Open that begins Thursday at Shinnecock Hills, it can't hurt as McIlroy seeks his second American title. He won it in 2011.

McIlroy said Wednesday that he played 18 out of 19 days, taking off Saturday to recharge his batteries.

He played with friends from the area as he stayed on Long Island. His accommodations for the U.S. Open are close to Shinnecock Hills.

He says, "it's not a bad place to spend a couple of weeks in the summer."

He was particularly impressed by Friar's Head and National, both of which he'd never played. And perhaps picked up some tips on wind and grass conditions.